How to Find the Right Bank for You

Do more with Dime.

Finding the right place to keep and grow your money can seem like a Herculean task, especially in an age where there are so many features, options, and threats out there. We want to make sure you feel comfortable with your financial institution, whether that’s with Dime or somewhere else.

Here are some things you should consider when looking for the right bank for you.

Location. Is there a branch or ATM near your home or work, or on your route home, so you don’t have to go out of your way to make transactions? Even if you prefer to do all of your banking online, making sure there is a branch near you will be helpful if you need help or need to withdraw cash.

Services. What do you want to do with your account? Are you just looking for a basic checking and savings account? Do you have a business and want to be able to do both your personal and business banking in the same place? Is it important that you have the option to do your banking on your phone? Think about what aspects are important to you and then weed out the banks that don’t fit your service needs.

Rates. Even if you just want a checking and savings account, you want your money to earn interest, right? Take a look at the interest rates of the banks you are considering. It might help narrow things down a bit, especially if one of them has a high-yield savings account that you qualify for. Just because you aren’t using that money right now doesn’t mean it should just sit there. Make it work.

Security. Along with technological and physical security, make sure that the bank you choose is insured by the FDIC, a government-created organization designed to protect your money. If any of the banks you’re looking at aren’t insured by the FDIC (or NCUA if you’re looking at credit unions too), then cross them off the list.

Comfort. Visit the branch — even if you don’t plan on going there very often — and see how you’re greeted. Visit during a busy time too, if you can, and see how the tellers and staff interact with their customers. If they are kind and welcoming, that’s a good sign. If they’re business-like and efficient, that’s not bad either. But if they’re brusque and rude, find a different branch. You might need to come to the branch one day, or call the service line for help or advice — you want the person you interact with to be nice and helpful, right?

There you go. Five easy steps to finding the right bank. If Dime is on your list, and you’d like to learn more, visit our website for more details, stop by one of our branches, or call 1-800-321-DIME (3463). We’ll be happy to tell you all about Dime, and set up your account when you’re ready.